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New York was my favorite big city until I went to Chicago. The Art Institute of Chicago is wonderful and so are the many first class museums Chicago houses. There are also many open spaces and parks and it is not as crowded as New York.

Jim and Jay from downtown Leonardtown, Maryland
number of programs we've attended: 21
Date attended 6/21/15 6/26/15
Great program, made even better by our coordinators, Delores and Al, everything was well thought out; food, accommodations, activities, transportation and made this one of our best Road Scholars, we fell in love with Chi town

My 31st Elderhostel/Road Scholar program...well organized by JCC with a strong leader, excellent presenters....altho I had been to Chicago before the program added to my knowledge of this interesting city.

This was an amazing program. The hotel was located near many points of interest and access to public transportation, if necessary, is convenient. You can even experience many of the charms of the city by just walking out the front door! Chicago has much to offer its visitors, and I would recommend this program as a great way to get a taste of this dynamic American city.

Chicago was a much greater experience than I even expected! Much of this was due to our group leaders, Dolores and Al Erlebacher, who clearly enjoyed sharing their beloved city and to the great people in our group.

What a great introduction to Road Scholar and Chicago! We loved everything about our trip -- the walking and bus tours, the museums, the boat ride, the food, and the hotel. What a pleasure meeting so many new people who were great to spend time with. We were lucky to have Delores and Al Erlebacher as our great group leaders.

Try the Chicago tour and you,lol learn more than you ever thought possible about the history and the future of this amazing city ..... All made possible by well organized and informed leaders.
Suzanne and Ross Anderton. Kelowna B.C.

If you've never been to Chicago this is a great program. We saw wonderful museums and buildings. Our group leaders were excellent and everything ran smoothly. Our guides and speakers were very knowledgeable and we learned so much information regarding the Windy City. The restaurants were very good. The hotel was nice and the staff very friendly. They surprised us with a cake on our anniversary which made our day special.

This adventure was exciting and our leaders provided a variety of stimulating activities for us. In such a short time, I learned to love Chicago, its' architecture, the treasures of the Art Institute and the citizens themselves. The folks of Chicago are amiable and welcoming. The other participants with whom we shared this program made the 5 days so enjoyable! Thanks to all.

This programme was perfect for me and I'm 83 years old but at least in good health. There was so much to do and no time wasted, yet still time to do things on one's own Even then there were very helpful suggestions on how to fill that time. It was up to the individual. I felt not a moment was wasted. Go and enjoy this wonderful city.

This program offered an excellent overview of Chicago. I traveled alone for the first time in many years, and I saw much more of Chicago than I could have managed on my own. I had a great deal in common with other group members, enjoyed their conversations and love of learning, sense of humor. It was a great trip, and I would recommend it highly.

If you have never been to Chicago, it is a wonderful experience. A clean city ant the river adds to the whole experience. It has a fascinating history and contributions to the country, politics, gangsters included.

Bring your walking shoes and prepare for an eye-opener! So much good about Chicago! Truly a phoenix-like city as it has risen from the ashes of the 1871 fire. World-class museums and architecture, art and music, stories of destruction and preservation of buildings and open space! Definitely a must if you have seen Chicago only through other's eyes.

This program provides an opportunity for a well-paced, informative overview of the city of Chicago, its landscape, museums and political history. While the hotel breakfast was somewhat boring and the room congested, the hotel location was very convenient. The hosts kept us moving on target. Check the daily schedule when you register. If there is something that interests you not included such as Lincoln Park Zoo, Frank Lloyd Wright or Museum of Science and Industry, you might consider coming early or extending a day or so. So much to do, so little time.

I really enjoyed the tour! Chicago is a gorgeous city and it was fun to meet so many nice people! Thanks to the tour organizers, too, for accommodating my need for a gluten free diet. I got to enjoy the luscious food! We were very well taken care of, with hotel rooms right in the heart of the city.

The Road Scholar Signature City Chicago trip was exceptional. The leaders, Flora Alderman and Karel Wolfson made the trip so much more agreeable and enjoyable. They went above and beyond in their knowledge of Chicago. They accommodated the various individuals on the tour and their individual needs. They also supported the trip with advisors like Joe Cunniff, Zbigniew Banas and Marshall Jacobson to complete the well-rounded, thorough Chicago experience. Would highly recommend this exceptional trip.

Wonderful tour throughout. Bus tour guide was great, and I usually don't like bus tours. The architectural boat tour was worth the trip as was the opportunity to spent time in the Art Institute. All this was enhanced by a fine hotel in a great location. Bravo/a to the organizers.

The Chicago Program was an illuminating experience filled with good ethnic food, educational opportunities to learn about Chicago history, culture, art/architecture, and science/nature. The program had a nice balance of activities plus free time for individual interests. The leaders ensured that we had the requisite information to enjoy the totality of the experience and we certainly did!

This program was a good overview of Chicagos history, politics, architecture,and culture Hotel was in a great downtown location Enough time to explore on our own and to take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Chicago was is a wonderful city and I enjoyed the RS introduction. We had too many people in our group--47--for maximum enjoyment. Too much free time. I'd have liked more lectures and an evening activity rather than so much free time.

In the shuttle to the hotel I met another RS traveler who was headed to another program in Chicago!!! What a great city with lots to offer and clearly RS is giving us opportunities to be specific about interests and return often. Great hotel location, easy access to theater and entertainment for free time. Excellent overview, leaving a taste for more.

# of attended programs: 40
Chicago program very good. Hotel well located. Most meals quite good. Tours excellent. Leaders not very informative with suggestions for free time. More introductory material should have been discussed at the first gathering. Our leaders were kind and polite but rather aloof. A musical or theater performance should have been included in the program. Other signature city programs (e.g. Philadelphia) have done it better. Chicago's a great city. With some minor improvements, the program could be great too.

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